For My Dad

Dad,

I just wanted to write a quick note on here to say how much you mean to me.  I look at this blog as my digital "diary" of life happenings and my thoughts.  It's my way of capturing my life here and now.  I want you to know how much you mean to me.  You are the best father a girl could ever ask for.  You have shown me the world, taught me so many things, always taken time to make me feel special, and above all you were always there for me.

Not only did you attend every dance recital, horse show, and school event, you supported me whenever I needed someone to be there for me.   You still do.  You have influenced my life in more ways than you know and I truly hope you know how much you're loved.  I wouldn't change one thing about my childhood, and that's a result of all that you did for me.

You will always be one of the most important people in my life.  I love you beyond words, and I will always be you're little girl...

Happy Father's Day Daddy!

This Is Life.

My life is busy.  Crazy busy at times... recently as I have been coping with projects at work, assignments with school, trying to run this photography venture, training for a 1/2 marathon, and still trying to find time to spend with my husband and friends... I find myself thinking, "I really need to capture these moments.  These moments make up my life." 

So, although there are probably some out there that would say that this blog should stick directly to business, I just plain don't want to.  I want to capture more there than my photography ventures, I want to capture life.  I want to look back over these entries and remember this stage, this busy stage, where I was young and free.  I want to capture photos in this "digital diary" that I can one day share with my children and remind them that I too was once young. 

I have had lots of blog posts floating around in my mind lately, and every time I think I should write something down, I don't.  Either for lack of time, or uncertainty that I should put my whole self out here on this blog.  But you know what?  I'm just going to go for it.  Yes Internet, I'm just going to be me. 

For anyone who hasn't figured it out yet, I'm not a full time photographer.  Don't get me wrong, I love my photography, and I give my heart and soul to all of my clients.  But for me, photography is fun.  It's what I do when I'm not working.  Personally I think this makes me a better photographer.  I'm not going to be pressed for time and say "you only get a 1 hour session".  When we go take pictures, I want to take my time, I want to enjoy the moment, because I'm having FUN!!!  I love editing photos, and creating something that lasts.  Finally, my favorite thing is seeing people love their pictures.  That's why I'm a photographer, to help people capture moments that they love. 

So my other life?  I'm an engineer... by degree anyway... and I work for Devon Energy.  I'm actually just about to dive into a brand new opportunity that I just "officially" accepted today.  I'm going to be an NGL Marketing Representative starting in mid May!  I couldn't be more excited!  There are only a handful of people in this group, and we are responsible for marketing and selling all of the NGL (natural gas liquids) production for the entire company!  Such an amazing opportunity.  A challenge to be sure, but surely an opportunity to shine! 

I'm also wrapping up my first year of my MBA program.  One third done, yay!!  Only two more years... I can do this!  This summer however, I'm taking a break.  I am going to read some great novels on my kindle, while floating on my boat in a lake somewhere.  I'm going to cook wonderful dinners and drink wine with my husband, and I'm going to spend some time traveling around this beautiful country of ours.  Life is beautiful, I welcome everything it brings, and from now on I'm going to start sharing a lot more of it right here. 

A day at the office...

taken with Instagram on my iPhone

In This Moment

In two days time I will turn 25.  Wow, I'm going to be a quarter of a century old!  While a lot of people seem to be hesitant about this birthday, somehow thinking we're on the downhill slide to 30, I am choosing to look at it as reaching the height of my 20's!  I want to live in this moment.

Every year as my birthday approaches, I find myself thinking "have I done everything I wanted to do at this age?  Is there anything I still want to do as a 24 year old?"  I think that this year I can confidently say that I am so happy exactly where I am.  There are so many dreams to be fulfilled, things I want to do, and learn, but today I am content. 

Perhaps I'm starting to learn that life is an ongoing adventure, and that each stage of life should be enjoyed to the fullest, for exactly what it is.  For me, this is a pretty remarkable statement, because I am usually the one constantly thinking of and planning for the future.  And believe me I have lots of plans for the future!  However, today I just want to be the 25 year old version of myself.  I want to spend time with my husband and my friends.  I want to stay up later than I should, drink mimosas with the girls at Sunday brunch, and push myself to run a half marathon. 

I want to discover this city, the world, and myself with my wonderful husband by my side.  I want to try all kinds of new things and go new places.  I heard a quote the other day about turning 25... "it's an age where you have the perfect combination between youthful exuberance and wisdom."  I love that!  So true!  I love the fact that I'm a responsible adult, I'm independent, and I can take care of myself.  I love that I have a successful career, and that I have moved beyond being a crazy partying college kid.  Yet, I still feel that I have a youthful optimism that I hope to always have. 

When I think about where I want my life to be in 5 years, it's such a different picture.  I've always pictured that in my 30's I would have a family, and revel in all the joys of raising children.  So, for the next few years, between now and then, I have so many things I want to do for me.  Travel the world, learn a new language, get lost on a road trip to nowhere, and just live life out loud! 

Oh I couldn't be more excited for all that 25 has to offer!!  Here's to living life, and soaking up all the joy I can, in this moment. 

Hats, Scarves, Boots, and Gloves

So, like I mentioned a few days ago, I have been thinking a lot about fashion lately.  This has kind of become my recent avenue of artistic interest.  I find that trying to focus on a certain type of art, whether it be paintings, architecture, literature, interior design, or fashion... they all help me think more creatively and challenge me to define my style both for my personal life, as well as through my photography.

Anyway, lately I have been focusing on fashion.  I have always loved clothes and accessories.  I love to dress up and usually I don't mind if I'm over dressed!  I'm 5'9" but I still love heels and I have a closet full of them!  I think that fashion can be a great way to express yourself, and to feel confident in who you are.  However, I also think it takes effort.  I don't think people just roll out of bed looking fabulous... they probably spend some time contemplating an outfit and ensuring that it's accessorized perfectly. 

It seems to me that if you don't take the time to to be aware of style, or to try to determine what you personally love, you can fall into a "fashion rut".  I know that I am guilty of waking up early, throwing on slacks, a sweater, and flats to wear to work.  Are they appropriate?  Yes.  Do they make a statement to the world about who I am?  No.  (Well, actually they probably do make a statement, just not the one I want!) 

So, with this thought I have been trying to not only make a conscious effort each day to consider how I want the world to see me, but also to define what my style is.  I read some blogs, looked at articles online, and tried to find some guidance.  Basically they all said, "you're style is either classic, romantic, urban, bohemian, sporty, or eclectic".  Hmm... not much help. 

I started to think about some of my favorite stores: Banana Republic, Ann Taylor Loft, Express, along with things like Forever 21 and Anthropologie.  From this list, and after some reflection, I think I would describe myself as a girl who likes classic styles, probably preppy at times, but also loves to throw in some bold trendy accessories.  Not sure if that's a specific "type" but I that's who I am.  I love my dresses with kitten heels and pearls... and I also love my polka dot shoes and peacock feather headband! 

Ok, so this was kind of random, but I'm just thinking out loud... all in an effort to live out loud!

#100

I logged on to my blog this morning to write about fashion.  My own personal sense fashion and style.  However, before I could start typing away, I noticed that this post will be my 100th blog post!  While I know there are mega bloggers out there who have posted thousands of posts, I'm pretty excited that I am now in the triple digits! 

Looking at the last few weeks, I am amazed at how fast time has flow by this year!  February is half way over and I feel like just yesterday was New Year's!  I think that part of this is due to the fact that I'm a student again... and being a student while also working full time means that I'm crazy busy!  Weeks and weekends are flying buy and it seems that if I don't pay attention half of the year will be gone and I'll have nothing really great to show for it! 

I need to start focusing more on today, and what I want to accomplish.  I feel like I have been very reflective so far this year, thinking not only about my future, but also about who I am.  I guess you could say I have been making a conscious effort on the road of self discovery.  It really is quite liberating to define who you are, what you believe, and to live your life for yourself striving toward what you care about and not worrying about what the world thinks.  I know that this process will be a life long journey, but I'm excited to feel as if I've started down this path! 

Ok, I guess fashion will have to wait to next time :)  It will be soon, I promise!!!

Welcome 2011!

Hi everyone!  I know I basically fell off the face of the planet for the last month, but I hope that everyone had a fabulous Christmas and New Year's!  I had a great time with family over the holidays and I was very blessed to see both my family and Dwyatt's family all within about 10 days! 

I absolutely love the whole holiday season, and when it's over I find myself mixed with both sadness that the time has come and gone so quickly, but also eager anticipation for the hope and excitement of an upcoming year.  This year has so far been like most others, I am very hopeful, full of plans to be fulfilled, dreams to be molded into reality, and experiences yet to be lived. 

Also like usual, I am now working out more than I have in 6 months.  I have decided that it's too complicated to say, "I'll do this, then this, then this..." so I have decided that my workout goals are as follows: do something at least 5 days a week that gets my heart rate up for at least 30 minutes.  Luckily, with Devon Energy opening their brand new fitness center downtown that hasn't been a problem!  I can now easily work out at lunch and have done a combo of running, zumba, boot camp, core class, yoga, and weight lifting!  Very happy so far...except for the fact I have been in a constant state of pain with sore muscles for the last two weeks.  Ugh!  Time to just push through it.  So, for now I'm randomly working out and enjoying it... until February 8th arrives and I start training for my 1/2 marathon on May 1st.  That will be interesting...

Ok, well for now I'm headed home to enjoy my last free evening with my wonderful hubby.  Class starts tomorrow...oh joy!  Stay tuned because I have several more upcoming posts to share with photos from Christmas, wedding albums, and whatnot...

Happy Tuesday!

Moments of Peace

This Christmas season has been one of the busiest I can remember.  Perhaps its because my work schedule has been crazy, working nights and weekends to get Devon's gas plant started.  Perhaps it's because I am in the middle of finals and all my evenings are consumed with studying.  Or perhaps it's also finding time to edit photos, and design wedding albums.  With everything going on, I find myself thinking, "Ahh!  I still have to go shopping, I still have to send Christmas cards, I still have to wrap stuff, I still have to make cookies, I still have to clean, decorate, and attend Christmas parties!"  The list goes on and on...

I find myself in the middle of all this hustle and bustle, and I just stop and think, this is not what Christmas is about.  I feel like I can hear the Lord whispering in my ear, "Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).  So I stop, I let the world melt away, I listen to my favorite Christmas song, smell the fresh pine scent of my tree, I hug my husband, and cherish the moments of peace and pure joy when I can feel the presence of the Lord all around me.  And I remember that this, this perfect quiet moment, this is Christmas.

Full of Thanks and Turkey...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  Today I am overflowing with thankfulness.  I have so many things to be thankful for that it truly astounds me.  How come I am so blessed?  How come I am so fortunate when there are so many who are struggling?  As I reflected on the meaning of this day I started making a list of things I am thankful for.  I decided I wanted to share them with you, partly just because, and partly to help me remember that no matter what storms may come my way that I am so blessed.  Blessed beyond what I deserve. 

As you know I am more of an organized list person than a lengthy paragraph person, so here is my list :)

• I am thankful for the grace God has given me in his Son, Jesus Christ.  This is by far the thing I am most thankful for.  God's forgiveness and love for me goes well beyond my comprehension and I am overwhelmed by his mercy.  I know that the sacrifice that Jesus made for me literally means the difference between heaven and hell.  For an eternity with my Saviour, I am so thankful. 
• I am thankful for my family.  I am so thankful that when I go home I can hug my grandparents, and still hear my parents speak the words "I love you" to one another.  I am thankful that my little brother is one of my best friends; and I am thankful for all my aunts, uncles, and cousins who would be there for me at a moments notice. 
• I am thankful for my amazing husband.  I often wake up in the morning and while Dwyatt is still asleep I think "how did I get so lucky that this wonderful man wanted to marry me?"  Dwyatt is my best friend and my partner in everything that we do.  We have been together for 5 years now (married for 2!) and he still brings me flowers, writes me love notes, and gives me foot rubs.  He holds me when I cry, and makes me laugh daily.  He has completed my life and with him I know exactly where I belong in this crazy world. 
• I am thankful for all of my friends.  Though we are now scattered all over the country I know what it means to have best friends.  The kind of friends where you can go a year without seeing each other and then within 5 minutes of talking, its like you were never apart.  These women are amazing and I know that I wouldn't be the same without them.  I love you girlies :)
• I am thankful for America.  I believe in America and the principles it was founded on.  I am so thankful for my freedom and that I was blessed enough to be born in this great nation. 
• I am thankful that my family is able to have such an extravagant meal on Thanksgiving when I know there are others who are suffering from hunger. 
• I am thankful for my health and the health of my family.  It seems to me that being healthy is often something taken for granted until suddenly it's taken away...then it means everything.  I know other families that are struggling with sick family members and again it makes me think, "why am I so blessed?"  I hope I can remember to be thankful for my health every day, and be a support to those who are struggling.
• I am thankful for my two little furry kittens who bring so much joy to my life :)  Even if that joy comes along with scratched leather furniture and pillows covered in hair...ugh! 
• I am thankful for my career and the opportunities I have had to grow and mange projects in my 2 short years of experience. 
• Lastly, I am thankful for cranberry sauce.  Even straight from the can this is one of my favorite Thanksgiving treats :)  And I'm thankful that my Grandmother knows this because she always buys me extra!! 

I hope that you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you are able to reflect of what you are most thankful for!

Starbucks: The cure for anything

I love Starbucks.  I absolutely love them.  Don't get me wrong, I love unique local coffee shops too, and they are usually my first choice if I have one, but Starbucks is just so darn dependable!  I love that I can find one just about every where I look.  Whether I'm on a road trip, on my way to work early in the morning, meeting with potential clients, or about to endure hours of shopping and lines at Target, Starbucks is there to save me. 

In fact I have gotten so good at ordering my "grande-nonfat-2 pump-toffee nut-latte" that I don't even stumble over the tongue twister of words anymore!  And on days like today, when I'm coming down with a cold, Starbucks is there to provide me with as much Passion tea as I can possibly consume. 

Thank you Starbucks, thank you...

Taken w/ my Blackberry

Hooked.

I have a confession... I have recently started reading the Twilight saga and it has me hooked.  Hook, line, and sinker... wow.  For the last several years I have listened to all my friends tell me "You HAVE to read them, they are SOOOOO good!"  Well, to me they always seemed a bit silly...who really wants to read about a high school girl and vampires, I mean come on... we aren't talking about deep thought provoking literature here... 

So what made me change my mind?  My Mom recommend them to me!  I trust my Mom's recommendations on books more than she realizes... so when she actually recommend I read Twilight I figured I would try it.  She did warn me that they were "a fun fantasy that wasn't very intellectually challenging."  Considering I'm headed to the beach next week...that sounds PERFECT! 

I started reading Twilight, the first of 4 books, last Thursday...and umm... I finished it last night.  I don't know what it is, but I'm hooked.  So from now on, I am going to be the friend that tells everyone "You HAVE to read them, they are SOOOOO good!"  :) 

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Photo courtesy of Google Images

My reason why...

A few days ago, I sent Krista & Jason an email to let them know that their wedding photos were ready for viewing! It was late, I was tired, and I had been hunched over my computer for hours putting the finishing touches on my photos making sure they were all just so. Dwyatt had long since given up on me and gone to bed.

Some might ask why I push myself this hard and why I keep trying to keep this business going while I am currently working my “other job” full time as well. It’s a lot. I’m always busy, and often tired. So, why do I keep pushing ahead with this dream of mine? Because I get text messages like this:

“Oh my gosh Cait… I just checked my email. The pictures are AMAZING!! You did an incredible job!! Thank you so much! We absolutely love them!”

I smile, completely content, and full of confidence that I am on the right path.

Anticipation

Today is the day!  I have been looking forward to this day ever since last fall when Krista and Jason contacted me about photographing their wedding.  Now, I am just a few minutes away from heading over the the church where I will join them for their special day, and capture the memories that will last a lifetime!

I admit I'm slightly nervous, but I figure that is a good thing.  A little bit of nerves mean that I take my job seriously and want to do a great job!  However, despite the nerves, mostly I am just EXCITED! 

Today is going to be a great day!  Look for a sneak peak coming up sometime next week :) 

Fast Track Photographer: I'm on my way!

Deep down, I'm a nerd.  I always have been... so what do nerds do when they have a passion?  They read books on the subject in hopes of bettering themselves.  I am currently reading a book called Fast Track Photographer by the world-renowned Dane Sanders.  Let me say, this book is AMAZING!

It teaches you how to grow yourself as a photographer, and how to differentiate yourself from the crowd by building a brand around what makes you unique as an individual.  There are plenty of people who take gorgeous photographs, and I know there will always be someone out there with more talent than I have, so what makes me different?

Through the use of his pDNA system (stands for photographer DNA), you answer about 250 questions about yourself in hopes of determining your individual strengths and weaknesses.  Then you build upon your strengths to create a truly one of a kind brand.  That unique brand is what you offer to the world.

So, this morning I am sitting here, coffee in hand, pondering my pDNA results and discovering what it is that I truly have to offer my clients.  I'm still not done with this process yet, but here are a few things I know about myself that will shape my business:

*  I love people.  I love to interact, visit, and share experiences with people.  This means that when we go out for an engagement shoot or portrait session, I totally just want to hang out with you.  And I'm kind of hoping we can go to dinner together afterwards...  On your wedding day?  I just want to blend in as one of the girls, share your laughter and joy, and be there to capture memories along the way.  

*  I believe in customer service.  Nothing is more aggravating to me, and I me nothing, than when I call a customer service phone number and a computer answers the phone.  Ugh!  Then, to make it worse when you do get through to a real person, then they usually live in another country and have no idea what you're talking about... Ok, sorry I went off on a little tangent, but my point is that when you receive good customer service and an overall good experience with a business it is like a breath of fresh air.  I will provide a great experience for my clients, from the initial meeting, to the day of the shoot, all the way through the design and delivery of albums and prints, my client satisfaction comes first.

*  I'm a girly girl, and I love weddings!  The flowers, the dress, the shoes, the invitations, the cake, all the planning... I love it all!  When I ask you about the details of you're day, I'm not asking because it's "my job" I'm asking because I really want every juicy detail!  I want to know what your dress shopping experience was like, I want to know how you chose a location, I want to know how you picked out the ring.  Know that on your wedding day, while you are overflowing with joy, I will also have a giant grin on my face, thank you for letting me share this day with you  :)

*  I love marriage.  Now, to me this is different than loving weddings... I do love the decor, elegance, and splendor of a fabulous wedding, but without a beautiful marriage the rest is just fluff.  I believe in the holiness and sanctity of marriage.  I believe that love can last a lifetime, and that when God puts two people together nothing can tear them apart.  As a Christian I believe that there is nothing more powerful than love, and that a couple on their wedding day represents one of the purest and deepest kinds of love.  Know that while I am moving around and snapping pictures of your ceremony, my heart is in a worshipful place.  I love the tradition, I take seriously the vows, and I am inspired by God's presence.  I simply feel honored to capture such an amazing moment. 

Wow, I didn't know I had so much to say!  I guess Fast Track Photographer is really doing it's job and making me think!  I still have so far to go with building this business, but I truly feel like the characteristics I mentioned above are what sets me apart.  They come from the heart, and staying true to myself is what will make me unique.  If you're a photographer looking to improve or start your own business I would highly recommend this book, as you can see it has already done worlds for me. 

Saturday Morning Bliss

Why is it that coffee tastes so much better on Saturdays?  Is it because I get the chance to just sit in my kitchen, read a book, and enjoy the morning light?  Perhaps it's because I grind my own beans and have the choice between flavors like toasted cinnamon or Texas pecan.  Either way, I always look forward to quiet Saturday mornings where I can savor the moment and contemplate the weekend ahead.  It's my "me" time, it's my Saturday morning bliss...

I need your help...

So, once again, it has been 10 days since I blogged last.  I am so terrible at this!  One of my goals for this year was to blog at least 75 entries this year... so far I'm way behind! 

I have been looking at my blog the last couple days thinking "I need to get with it and write something!" but since I currently don't have any new photo shoots to share with you I am at a loss for what to write.  I find myself wondering if anyone actually reads my blog, and if you do read, then why?  Why do you follow me?  So, I decided to get some answers to that question, and hopefully it will help me have a better idea of what you all want to hear from me. 

I have put together a little survey :)  I must say I am extremely proud of this survey!  Who knew you could create something like this and embed it right into your blog?!?!?  So cool.  Anyway, if you all would do me a HUGE favor and submit your answer to the question below I would really appreciate it.

I am hoping that it will help me define some direction for this blog and determine what I should write about :) 

Thank you ahead of time for your help and support!  I can't wait to hear all your answers and get your feedback.  I know the poll only lets you mark one answer, but if you really wanted to mark two of them then please just leave me a comment letting me know your thoughts! 

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

Busy Busy Busy!

Well, today I don't really have too much to say, I just felt like blogging :)  I am super busy today at work, trying to get ready to go out of town for the weekend.  I am flying out tonight to head to Colorado where I will be shadowing Audrey Hannah this weekend at my first wedding!  I'm so excited about that, but I have a million things to do before I leave in just 3 hours. 

I also wanted to include a picture for you this afternoon, because what is a photography blog without a picture?  Seeing that I don't have too many pictures with me at the moment I snapped this one with my Blackberry.  Yes, that is an orange.  A clementine to be precise.  It is my afternoon snack... my snack I'm very proud of...  Why exactly am I proud of a clementine?  Well, you see, there is an entire apple pie in our lunch room and it looks so delicious!  So far I have successfully avoided it... despite the prompting and prodding of co-workers telling me to try it.  So yes, I am proud of my little orange :)

We're Live!

Today I have more exciting news to announce: my website has officially launched! I have been working very hard on in the last few weeks, and it was finally posted to the web this morning. I hope you will take the time to check it out and let me know what you think.  :)

In addition to the website, I also now have a facebook fan page and a new twitter account! I hope that you can check those out as well, and I will do my absolute best to update them as often as possible!

Over the next several months the website will continue to evolve. I plan to add new pictures with every new photo shoot, and hopefully I’ll be adding some video slideshows very soon. I hope that you will check back often and as always please feel free to leave comments or suggestions… I really appreciate all of your support, with out you all I couldn’t be making this dream possible!

Spread the word my friends… WE ARE LIVE!!!!!!

An Opportunity

I haven’t blogged in 2 weeks… wow… I need to be better at this.  Well, I know that last time I blogged I told you all to look for some exciting news that I would be announcing. Since then I have spent a long weekend in Colorado with my family, and another long weekend in Baltimore with even more family. Needless to say it has been a busy couple of weeks, and I can’t wait to catch you all up on those events in separate blog posts!

Anyway, I’m sorry it took me so long to get around to it, but here is the news: I am shooting my first wedding in less than two weeks alongside the one-and-only Audrey Hannah. For those of you who don’t know her, Audrey Hannah is an absolutely amazing wedding photographer located in Colorado. I personally think she is one of the best, though I may be slightly biased since she was my wedding photographer in August of 2008. (more on that here) Since my wedding we have kept in touch on and off, and I recently asked her if I could come shadow her at one of her weddings. She graciously granted my request, as well as answered a flurry of photography questions I had for her.

Hannah is a beautiful person, both inside and out, and I am so thankful to her for this opportunity. It’s purely out of the kindness of her heart that she has decided to take me under her wing and show me the ropes! We will be photographing what is sure to be an incredible wedding at Shove Chapel in Colorado Springs on March 6th. I’ll admit I am slightly nervous, so I have been diligently familiarizing myself with my new camera, and getting ready for the big day!

This opportunity is such a blessing. I feel that throughout this entire “photography journey” I am on, the Lord has opened doors and brought people into my life at just the right time. It gives me hope and inspires me to do my best and keep pushing forward with my dream. Though she may not know it, Hannah is the answer to a prayer. Thank you Lord for such a wonderful opportunity!

Look for my first wedding photos to be posted in a couple weeks :)

Acquiring "Stuff"

Today is an exciting day!  Today, when I get home there will be a small brown UPS package on my front porch.  What exactly is inside this small brown package?  To most people, it's probably just stuff... but to me it's new camera stuff... the best kind of stuff there is!!

That's right, awaiting me at home are 2 new lenses (Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 & Tamron 28-75 f/2.8), and a new off camera flash (Nikon SB-900).  This is the first shipment of new equipment that Caitlyn.Marie.Photography has officially "invested" in!  I can't wait to run home and tear open that little brown box...  Even better, I can't wait until the next one arrives... the ever coveted Nikon d700...

More on that in a couple days! 

Oh, and for those of you that have noticed issues with this site...the blog is now officially http://www.caitlynmariephotography.net/  The website is coming right along and looking fabulous!  I think I'll be able to show it to you all in just a couple weeks thanks to some very helpful people, including my beautiful cousin who is helping me with all the text.  As you may have noticed writing is not my strong point :)  Anyway, that's all for now!

Cait

Coming Soon...

I haven’t been so excited about anything since I was planning my own wedding! I am constantly waking up in the middle of the night with new ideas popping into my head… then I can’t seem to get back to sleep, so I’m out of bed by 7am… on a Saturday… I’m pretty sure that Dwyatt thinks I’m crazy as I spend hours staring at my computer screen, typing, drawing, designing, editing, and perfecting… He lazily curls up next to me, kisses me on the cheek, adds the obligatory “That looks great babe…” whenever necessary, and spends the day watching football. He is supportive and happy for me, but he keeps me grounded, which is really all I need because I have a tendency to be way over excited about things and run full speed ahead a million miles an hour!

So what exactly is my new project that I am so excited about? Well for those of you that follow this blog… you can probably guess… I’m getting a new website! Seeing that it is now the year 2010, which is not only a new year but a new decade, I have decided it’s time to have an official photography website! Along with this new website will be an updated version of this blog, and an entire marketing campaign! I am slightly overwhelmed by this, but I have decided that this is the year to make the leap and just jump off the deep end. How else will I learn to swim?

Some of the things I know I’ll be doing in my first round of marketing is to have the website, blog, updated logo, a Facebook fan page, a Twitter account (yes, really… I’m jumping on the band wagon…), new business cards, flyers, and a couple other ideas I have up my sleeve! If you are reading this post; First of all, thank you so much, I’m honored. I really hope you will continue to read, and spread the word to everyone you know! Ok, maybe not everyone…but almost everyone?? :)

All of this is to say that if you find that my blog is going through phases and changing each and every time you visit, don’t worry… it will have a final reveal in all it’s updated glory in just a few weeks! I CAN NOT WAIT to share my new look with all of you! I promise it will be worth the wait :) In the mean time, if anyone has any advice or input on marketing ideas, I would love to hear them!

Adios!
Cait


Since blog posts need a picture, here is a photo I snapped the other day with my Blackberry. It’s my reflection in ball valve… a valve that goes into a gas pipeline so that we can control flow.  That's me in Carhartts and a hard hat.  Could I get farther from wedding photography?  Anyway, I thought it was a pretty cool picture…